Virtual Weeklong Working Retreat

Craft, Commerce and Community with
Alyssa Eisner Henkin & Acclaimed Author and Agent Friends

Sunday, May 17 - Friday, May 22, 2026
Sunday: 7:30 - 8:30 PM EST
Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET
Online | $1750

The business of writing is more than putting words on a page. It also includes developing yourself as an author, embracing your strengths, honing your craft, owning your process, being realistic about the market, and finding the inner resilience to keep going.

We are so excited to introduce our first-ever virtual writers workshop designed to nourish both the artist and professional in you. Each day incorporates lectures, writing prompts, conversations and special guests. The week is designed to balance creativity, craft, industry insight and genuine joy. Mornings are devoted to grounding, writing and big-picture thinking. Afternoons include guest lecturers, connection and writing prompts.

Join Alyssa Eisner Henkin, the agent behind WONDER and many other bestsellers and award-winning titles, for an immersive experience designed to help writers answer key questions about themselves and their stories — to help you grow your craft and gain deeper insight into your writing career. You’ll leave each day clearer, braver, and excited to get back to your pages. You’ll leave the week inspired and re-energized, having experienced artistic, professional, and personal growth.

Frankly, we’ve never done anything like this before, but we think every author could use a workshop like this!

Not only will participants gain from Alyssa’s deep knowledge, but she’ll also share editorial feedback on 15 pages you may submit ahead of our week together. In Whale Rock style, this workshop is limited to 15 participants. You will have many opportunities to engage with Alyssa and her guests.

At the end of our week, you can submit either a project outline, a revised outline for an existing project, or five revised pages from your 15-page submission. Participants in this workshop can also purchase an additional read with Alyssa after the workshop.

Alyssa’s guests include: Newbery Honor author Ruth Behar, author Meghan Browne, author Lisa Greenwald, Schneider Family Honor author Bonnie Pyron, and literary agent Monica Rodriguez

What Does a Day Look Like?

10:00–10:15 Morning Writing Prompt
A short, focused writing exercise to jumpstart creativity and sharpen attention.

10:15–11:45 Morning Lecture with Alyssa
An in-depth lecture and discussion covering craft, mindset, career strategy, and the realities of the publishing world—from both sides of the desk.

11:45–12:00 Open Q&A

12:00–1:00 Lunch Break

1:00–2:30 Guest Author or Agent Craft Talk

2:30–2:45 Break

2:45–3:00 Fun Show & Tell

3:00–4:30 Final Lecture & Guided Writing with Alyssa
A closing session that synthesizes the day’s themes through discussion, prompts, and supported writing time.

4:30–5:00 Small-Group Meet & Greet / Ask Me Anything with Alyssa

Ruth Behar

Lisa Greenwald

Monica Rodriguez

Bobbie Pyron


Our week together includes:

  • A Sunday night introduction to one another and the week

  • Two daily prompts

  • Two daily lectures by Alyssa

  • Five special guest lectures

  • Dedicated “ask me anything” time

You will complete the workshop with:

  • Editorial feedback on 15-pages from your work

  • A better understanding of yourself as an author and your process

  • A better understanding of the publishing industry, agents and editors

  • A series of prompts you can use as a springboard for other projects, for self-insight and inspiration

  • Feedback on your choice of one of the following: a project outline, a revised outline for an existing project, or five revised pages from your 15-page submission

  • An optional pages review or reread

This workshop is for you if:

  • You would love the opportunity to spend a week with a highly regarded industry expert and gain valuable insights

  • You seek generative inspiration from well-regarded authors and industry professionals

  • You crave more insight into understanding your artistic strengths, the industry and how the two intersect

  • You are looking for a warm, safe, and creative community where you can imagine, create, and ask yourself important questions

  • You are feeling uninspired or burnt out and need a creative boost

  • You’re not sure where you fit into the current publishing landscape

Alyssa Eisner Henkin began her publishing career in editorial at Simon & Schuster in 1999, mentored by the wisest of colleagues and steeped in the craft of shaping stories. Seven years later, drawn to the creative freedom and author advocacy of agenting, she made the leap.

At Trident Media Group, Alyssa rose to EVP, brokering hundreds of deals across books, film, and musical theater. In 2021, she founded Birch Path Literary (a nod to Anne of Green Gables), where she represents acclaimed and bestselling creators including Julie Berry, Ruth Behar, Lisa Greenwald, R.J. Palacio, and Bobbie Pyron, as well as many emerging voices.

A bicentennial baby raised on Bemelmans, Betsy-Tacy, Burnett, and the Brontës, Alyssa loves her comfort reads but also relishes risk-taking. Projects that elevate seldom-heard voices and foster hope and connection are her current focus.

Alyssa resides in PA. She an Adjunct Instructor of writing at Klein College of Temple University.